Business In Brief - November 7, 2007

Bowater on Tuesday reported a net loss of $142.1 million in the third quarter.

The company lost $2.47 per share in the quarter and reported sales of $814.7 million, compared with $875.9 million in sales in the third quarter of 2006 and losses of $216.1 million in that quarter.

CEO David Paterson said the Greenville-based paper maker attributes the loss to a strengthening Canadian dollar and cuts in paper production. He expects conditions to improve since the recent merger with Montreal-based Abitibi will allow the companies to synergize and better compete in the market.

RHEDC OKs contract with Red Rock Developments

The Rock Hill Economic Development Corp. on Tuesday selected Red Rock Developments as a partner in completing the build-out of tracts at TechPark and Waterford Business Park. RHEDC also authorized staff members to begin contract negotiations with Red Rock, a commercial real estate and industrial development company based in Columbia with offices in Charlotte.

The purpose of the partnership between RHEDC and Red Rock Developments is to accelerate sales and maximize the value of remaining properties located in TechPark and Waterford Business Park, officials said. Likely developments include the construction of a speculative building in one of the parks by the end of 2008, according to an RHEDC news release.

Winthrop to host two small business seminars

Winthrop University's small business development center will offer a free seminar on how to start a small business at 6 p.m. Nov. 12 at 212 Thurmond Building on the main campus.

The seminar will provide basic information needed to start a small business, write a business plan and apply for financing.

On Nov. 14, the university will host another seminar about the U.S. Small Business Administration's Community Express Loan Program, which provides funding for small businesses for their working capital needs.

The funding is provided by certified SBA lenders. The application process is formulated to be quick and simple with no current requirement of a business plan, tax returns or financials. No collateral is needed. Start-ups are acceptable, and most businesses are eligible. Free technical assistance is provided for each borrower. Loans range from $5,000 to $25,000.

The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at 401 Withers Building. Participants should bring their business checkbook, driver's license, federal tax ID number if a corporation, partnership or LLC, and a copy of their credit report from the Web site www.annualcreditreport.com.

The Winthrop University Small Business Development Center is located in 118 Thurmond Building. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For more details, visit the Web site cba.winthrop.edu/sbdc or call the office at 323-2283.

In return for a $5 donation between now and Saturday, customers will receive a ticket admitting them to the sale from 6 to 10 a.m. Saturday and entitling them to discounts ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent on merchandise throughout the store (excluding cosmetics and fragrances). Customers receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more at the event, and Belk Card holders will receive double points for card purchases.

Participating local charities will sell the Charity Sale tickets in advance, and the proceeds from each $5 ticket will be retained by the charity. They also may be purchased at the store this week.

In addition, participating customers can register to win one of four $1,000 Belk shopping sprees, and all participating charities and schools automatically will be registered to win a $1,000 donation (a total of four will be awarded).

Charity representatives interested in taking part in this fundraiser should contact their local Belk store manager for more information. The Rock Hill Belk store is in the Rock Hill Galleria on Dave Lyle Boulevard. Call the store at 366-9471.

Dr. Joseph Carlisle awarded fellowship

Dr. Joseph Carlisle, a private practitioner in Rock Hill at The Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, recently was awarded fellowship in the American College of Dentists. He is president of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and former president of the S.C. Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Carlisle has served on the Committee on Anesthesia for the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, on the Board of Visitors of the Medical University of South Carolina, as a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, as a fellow of General Anesthesia of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology and as a member of the American Dental Association. He also serves on the medical staff at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill.

Entrepreneur group to host financing workshop

York Technical College and the new networking group, "Are you EN?" are sponsoring a presentation on financing for entrepreneurs.

"Let's Make A Deal -- Financing Options for Entrepreneurs" will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 27 at the Baxter Hood Center. Entrepreneur and investor Bill Payne will be the speaker.